Device and Method for Incremental Correction of Sight Disorders and Ocular Diseases

ABSTRACT

A device and method of use thereof for incrementally adjusting the size and/or shape of a particular body part is provided. The device comprises first and second layers each formed of a synthetic resin. The first layer is formed of a heat-shrinkable material having a low melting point while the second layer has a melting point much higher than the first layer. Upon being subjected to energy, the first layer will shrink or contract causing the second layer, and thus the overall device, to bend in the direction of contraction. In use, the device is inserted into the particular body part after which energy is applied to the device so as to cause the body to expand, move, reshape, etc. The invention is particularly useful for treatment of accommodative disorders of the eye by positioning one or more of the devices within the eye sclera or attached to the sclera around the limbus so that the sclera and ciliary body are expanded away from the crystalline lens upon being of the device.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a divisional of co-pending application Ser.No. 09/564,525 filed May 4, 2000. The priority of the prior applicationis expressly claimed, and the disclosure of the prior application ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is broadly concerned with a device which can beimplanted in a body part (e.g., eye, tissue, artery) and methods ofexternally manipulating the device to adjust or alter the configurationof the body part. More specifically, the invention is directed towardsthe use of that device to adjust the curvature of the sclera of the eyeso as to alter functional ocular structural relationships (e.g., such asto restore the accommodative ability of the eye), thus treating variouseye conditions.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In order for the eye to clearly see an object at a distance of abouttwenty feet or greater, the object must be focused on the retina of theeye. When this occurs in the relaxed state of the eye, it is referred toas “emmetropia.” If the focal point is anterior to the retina, it isclassified as “myopic.” On the other hand, if the focal point is behindthe retina, it is classified as “hyperopic.”

Refractive correction is required to correct these focusing errors. Thishas typically been accomplished by the natural lens or by medical orsurgical refractive devices. However, after the eye has been made tocorrectly focus on an object at a distance, it must then be capable ofchanging its refractive ability to see an object as it comes nearer theeye. This is accomplished physiologically through changes in the naturallens referred to as accommodation.

The ocular structures involved in accommodation include filamentsinserted onto the lens equator and called zonules or zonular fibers. Thezonules are connected to the ciliary body which is a muscle attached tothe sclera that encircles and thus, in cooperation with the zonules,suspends the eye's lens. The actual mechanism by which these structuresinfluence accommodation is still highly debated, but includes changes inlens shape and position with subsequent change in the overall refractivepower of the eye.

Loss of accommodative ability, or presbyopia, occurs naturally withaging. It becomes noticeable at about forty years of age, andconsistently worsens until about seventy years of age, at which timeaccommodation is effectively nonexistent. Theories concerning the causesof the loss of accommodative ability include increasing rigidity of thelens or its capsule, lens enlargement, laxity of the zonules, aging ofthe ciliary body, and combinations of the foregoing.

The usual way to correct this problem is to use bifocal lenses. However,some people dislike wearing glasses, particularly bifocals, for variousreasons. One problem with bifocal lenses is that they present lineswhere the two portions of the lens are joined together. Furthermore,people must become accustomed to reading through one relatively smallportion of the lens, while looking at distant objects through adifferent portion of the lens. Bifocal glasses also have the samedisadvantages present in regular glasses. Such disadvantages include thefact that the glasses are breakable, become fogged when coming in fromthe cold, steam up in hot weather, and require frequent cleaning.

Other treatments have been attempted to correct presbyopia. For example,U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,928,129 and 5,802,923 each disclose the production of“bifocal-like” refractive correction through laser ablation of theinferior cornea.

Treatment methods have attempted to return the accommodative ability toa presbyope via expansion of the scleral radius in the vicinity of theciliary body by a scleral expansion band (U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,299) or bya band which is adjustable at the time of placement (U.S. Pat. No.5,354,331). Some methods have even shortened the zonules connecting theciliary body to the lens by enzymes, heat, radiation, or surgicalrepositioning of the ciliary body.

Adjustable, ocular refractive devices for use in the cornea have beendeveloped as well. Such adjustable devices include those which areadjustable at the time of placement. For example, U.S. Pat. No.5,681,869 describes a poly(ethylene oxide) gel that is injected into thecornea in an amount sufficient to produce the required refractivecorrection. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,299 discloses alength-adjustable scleral expansion band for treatment of presbyopia,with the band length being measured and set at the time of placement.U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,228 discloses a corneal ring comprised of a memorymetal that, upon insertion into the cornea, is caused to reach atemperature at which it assumes a prior impressed shape thus alteringthe shape of the cornea.

Other prior art devices include those which require further surgery tomodify them if necessary after placement. For example, U.S. Pat. No.5,855,604 discloses a hollow device placed into the cornea stroma. Thedevice includes quantities of strands which may be removed at the timeof placement, or which may be removed or added by surgery as neededafter placement.

Each of the foregoing prior art techniques attempted thus far arelacking in that they only correct presbyopia at one particular stage ofthe disorder. Thus, as the condition worsens, the treatment would needto be repeated or otherwise enhanced. Or, in case of adjustable devices,additional surgery is needed to make the desired modifications. All ofthis poses undue risk to the eyes with each successive treatment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the problems of the prior art by broadlyproviding a device and method of using the device which allows for asingle surgical device implantation and successive, incrementaladjustments of the device as necessary through externally appliedenergy.

In more detail, the inventive device comprises a first shrinking layerformed of a synthetic resin and a second bending layer formed of asynthetic resin and attached to said first layer. Optionally, a thirdbarrier layer can be attached to the first shrinking layer to assist indissipating the energy applied to the device.

Advantageously, the device is designed so that, upon the application ofenergy (e.g., laser energy) thereto, the first layer will shrink orcontract as it melts, thus pulling the second layer to providedirectional bending of the device. Because the second layer has a highermelting point (and often a lower melt index) than the first layer, itremains substantially free of shrinking during this process:

According to the inventive methods, the device is placed within a bodypart (e.g., an eye) whose size or shape is to be altered. Once thedevice is inserted, energy is applied (preferably externally) to thedevice causing it to bend as described above. As the device bends, itwill cause the body part to likewise expand or move in the areasurrounding the device.

After the application of energy to the device, measurements can be takento determine whether sufficient expansion or movement has occurred,depending upon the desired treatment for which the inventive method isbeing utilized. If more expansion or movement is necessary, thenadditional energy can be applied to the device, and the measurementstaken again. The foregoing steps can be repeated as many times asnecessary until the desired result is obtained. Furthermore, the stepscan be repeated long after the device has been inserted as furtheradjustments become necessary. The foregoing device and method isparticularly useful for treating eye conditions such as presbyopia,hyperopia, glaucoma, and ocular hypertension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an eye depicting the formation of scleralpockets during surgery according to the inventive methods;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the insertion of theinventive device into a scleral pocket formed in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the eye of FIG. 1 with a device according tothe invention implanted in each of the previously formed scleralpockets;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of the eye of FIG.3, depicting the cross-section of the inventive device and illustratingthe application of energy to the device; and

FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4, depicting the change incurvature of the device and the sclera after the application of energyto the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the figures, an eye 10 is depicted in FIG. 1. The eye 10comprises a white, tough sclera 12 which encompasses most of the globeand a transparent cornea 14, which constitutes the anterior segment ofthe outer coat. The circular junction of the cornea 14 and the sclera 12forms a limbus 16. External rectus muscles 18 control the movement ofthe eye 10.

The remaining internal components of the eye are not shown in theaccompanying figures, but are well known to those skilled in the art.Briefly, the eye 10 contains a natural crystalline lens enclosed in athin, membranous capsule located immediately posterior to the iris 20,suspended centrally posterior to the pupil 22 on the optical axis of theeye. The lens is suspended by zonules extending between the lensescapsule (at the equator of the lens) and the ciliary body. The ciliarybody lies just under the sclera 12 (i.e., just inwardly of the sclera)and is attached to the inner surface of sclera 12. The foregoinginternal workings of the human eye are described and illustrated indetail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,578, incorporated herein by reference.

According to the inventive process, a scalpel 26 is used to makeincisions 24 a-d in the sclera 12 at a depth of from about ⅓ to about ½the depth of sclera 12 (i.e., at a depth of from about 280-320 μm, andpreferably about 300 μm). The incisions 24 a-d are made adjacent to therectus muscle insertions 18 approximately over the region of the ciliarybody. Scleral pockets 28 a-d are then formed at this depth by advancingthe scalpel 26 towards the next adjacent rectus muscle insertion 18. Attheir nearest point, the respective inner edges 29 a-d of the pockets 28a-d should be a distance of from about 0.5-3.5 mm. and preferably about2 mm posterior to the limbus 16. A device 30 a-d according to theinvention is then inserted into each respective pocket 28 a-d (see FIG.2). Each of the incisions 24 a-d are closed with sutures 32 (which maybe “hidden” in the closed pockets) so that the devices 30 a-d arecompletely enclosed within their respective pockets 28 a-d and at leastpartially overlie the ciliary body. There is substantially no scleralradius expansion produced by the device at this point in the process.

Device 30 c is shown in vertical cross-section in FIGS. 4-5. In moredetail, the depicted device 30 c comprises a low melting point,shrinking layer 34 and a high melting point, bending layer 36 posteriorto shrinking layer 34. Each of layers 34, 36 is moderately curved andabuts against the other so that the curvature of device 30 substantiallycorresponds to the curvature of the sclera 12. Furthermore, in theembodiment shown, devices 30 a-d include optional “notched” corners 33which would allow for anchoring of the device with sutures either to thescleral surface or within the scleral pocket(s).

Shrinking layer 34 is preferably formed of a low melting point,non-toxic material which is heat-shrinkable. Thus, Layer 34 should beformed of a material having a melting point of less than about 100° C.,preferably from about 45-60° C., and more preferably from about 50-55°C. In some embodiments, layer 34 should be formed of a material having amelt index of at least about 4.5 g/10 min., preferably from about6.3-26.0 g/10 min., and more preferably from about 6.3-15.0 g/10 min.(at an extrusion pressure of 2.16 kg and a temperature of 190° C. asdefined by ASTM D-1238). A particularly preferred material for use aslayer 34 is a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or a mixture ofpolymethylmethacrylates wherein the polymethylmethacrylate or mixturethereof has the described melting point and/or melt index. Aparticularly preferred polymethmethacrylate for use as shrinking layer34 is sold under the name ICI 924 CL (available from ICI Acrylics,Inc.).

Bending layer 36 is preferably formed of a high melting point, non-toxicmaterial which is bendable, but will not readily shrink upon heatapplication. Thus, bending layer 36 should be formed of a materialhaving a melting point of at least about 45° C., preferably from about60-100° C., and more preferably from about 70-80° C. In someembodiments, layer 36 should be formed of a material having a melt indexof less than about 4.4 g/10 min., preferably from about 1.1-4.4 g/10min., and more preferably from about 1.1-2.2 g/10 min (at an extrusionpressure of 2.16 kg and a temperature of 190° C. as defined by ASTMD-1238). Similar to shrinking layer 34, a particularly preferredmaterial for use as bending layer 36 is a polymethylmethacrylate or amixture of polymethylmethacrylates wherein the polymethylmethacrylate ormixture thereof has the described melting point and/or melt index. Aparticularly preferred polymethylmethacrylate for use as bending layer36 is sold under the name ICI 1000 ECL (available from ICI Acrylics,Inc.).

In another embodiment, the ASTM D-1238 melt index of shrinking layer 34is at least about 2 times, preferably at least about 4 times, and morepreferably from about 6-26 times greater than the ASTM D-1238 melt indexof bending layer 36. In another embodiment, the melting point of bendinglayer 36 is at least about 5° C., preferably at least about 10° C., andmore preferably from about 20-30° C. greater than the melting point ofshrinking layer 34.

Other types of materials (both synthetic and natural resins as well asplastics formed from these resins) can be utilized to form shrinkinglayer 34 or bending layer 36. Other suitable synthetic resins includepolyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polytetrafluorine.It may also be desirable to incorporate certain agents into the layers,depending upon the application. Such agents include physiologicallyacceptable metals (e.g., titanium, gold, platinum, tantalum, stainlesssteel), ceramics, porcelain, alumina, silica, silicon carbide, glass.

It will be appreciated that the melting point of either shrinking layer34 and/or bending layer 36 can be modified by the addition of a compoundto alter the melting point of the particular layer. Examples of suchcompounds include carbon black, indocyanine green, methylene blue,titanium oxide, because they preferentially absorb energy at certainenergy wavelengths. In particularly preferred embodiments, shrinkinglayer 34 is formed of a material which comprises from about 0.1-2.0% byweight titanium oxide, and preferably from about 0.25-0.75% by weighttitanium oxide, based upon the total weight of the material taken as100% by weight. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe type and quantity of energy-absorbing dye utilized can be altereddepending upon the desired application.

The device 30 c is preferably formed by co-extruding the materials ofwhich the respective layers are formed, but may also be formed bybonding the layers together through solvents, pressure, or otherphysical methods. Regardless, layers 34, 36 will be bonded to oneanother at location 38 so as to form device 30 c. A battier layer (notshown) can also be applied to the outer surface 40 of shrinking layer 34to protect the tissue adjacent layer 34 from damage during heatingthereof. The barrier layer should also be formed of a high meltingpoint, bendable material such as those described with respect to bendinglayer 36.

In the embodiment depicted, shrinking layer 34 has a thickness of fromabout 0.125-1.50 mm, and preferably from about 0.25-0.75 mm, whilebending layer 36 has a thickness of from about 0.125-1.50 mm, andpreferably from about 0.50-1.00 mm. Furthermore, the width of theillustrated devices 30 a-d at their respective widest points is fromabout 1.0-4.0 mm, and preferably from about 1.5-3.0 mm. In embodimentswhere devices 30 a-d are curved, the radius of curvature should be fromabout 7-10 mm so that the curve is substantially similar to thecurvature of most human sclera at the site of device placement. Finally,it is preferred that the length of the devices 30 a-d at theirrespective longest points be such that the devices 30 a-d can fit into asclera pocket 28 a-d having a length of from about 3-8 mm, andpreferably about 4.5 mm.

After placement of the devices 30 a-d, the accommodative ability of theeye is measured according to known methods (e.g., by measuring theaccommodative amplitude or by stigmatoscopy). External energy is thenapplied to each of the devices 30 a-d. The source of energy is notcritical, so long as it can be applied with sufficient intensity tocause layer 34 to shrink or contract. At the same time, the energyshould be provided with a sufficiently low intensity so as to minimize,and preferably prevent, layer 36 from melting or shrinking as well as toavoid damage to the eye tissue surrounding the devices 30 a-d.

Types of energy sources which can be utilized include UV sources, IRsources, radio frequency emitters, heat, and low voltage DC and lowvoltage high frequency sources. However, the most preferred energysource is a laser 42 of the type typically utilized by an opthalmologicsurgeon. The identity, intensity, and duration of the application of thelaser used to adjust the devices 30 a-d can be readily selected by aperson of ordinary skill in the art. Preferred lasers include diode IR(which have a wavelength of about 805 nm) and argon (argon blue whichhas a wavelength of about 488 nm, argon green which has a wavelength ofabout 514.5 nm, or a combination of the two) lasers. However, any of thefollowing lasers can be used as well: carbon dioxide; helium-neon;helium-cadmium; argon ion; krypton ion; xenon ion; nitrous oxide;iodine; holmium-doped yttrium-aluminum garnet; yttrium lithium fluoride;excimer; chemical; harmonically oscillated; dye; nitrogen; neodymium;erbium; ruby; and titanium-sapphire. With any of these types of lasers,the duration of treatment is typically from about 0.5-5.0 seconds whilefocusing on a location having a diameter of from about 300-500 μm.

After energy treatment, the accommodative ability of the eye 10 is againmeasured to determine whether further energy treatment is necessary. Ifit is, additional energy is applied as described above, and theaccommodative ability is again measured with these steps being repeatedas needed until the desired accommodation is obtained.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5 it can be seen that the use of laser 42 to applyenergy to shrinking layer 34 causes layer 34 to melt, and thus shrink orpull in a direction away from layer 36, causing layer 35 to pull towardlayer 34. This “pulling” causes controlled, directional bending of thedevice 30 c and, in turn, of the sclera 12. As the shrinking of layer 34causes the device 30 c to bend in a direction away from the eye, thesclera is expanded away from the lens so as to increase theeffectiveness of the accommodative apparatus of the eye. Phantom lines44 in FIG. 5 depict the curvature of layers 34, 36 and sclera 12 priorto energy application.

Advantageously, unlike prior art devices, devices according to theinstant invention can be adjusted after placement thereof withoutsubjecting the patient to further surgery. Thus, as the presbyopiccondition worsens over time (e.g., about 2 years to 10 years afterinsertion), the patient can return to the surgeon who inserted thedevice, or to any other surgeon with an available energy-applyingapparatus, and have the device further adjusted until acceptableaccommodative levels are achieved.

It will be appreciated that in some applications direct application ofenergy to layer 34 may create problems (e.g., pitting, bubbling, orirregular melting of the shrinking layer 34). In these instances, it isgenerally desirable to apply the energy to bending layer 36, allowing itto be an energy source for the less tolerant shrinking layer 34. Thisallows for a more uniform heat dispersion along and through shrinkinglayer 34, thus minimizing or avoiding problems with the material ofshrinking layer 34 as well as minimizing or substantially preventingdamage to the surrounding tissue.

The potential amount of shrinkage available to shrinking layer 34 can beincreased during manufacturing by stretching or pulling the material ofwhich shrinking layer 34 is formed prior to cooling and hardening. Thiswill result in an increase in the amount of stress energy of thematerial and thus an increase in the material shrinkage. Additionally,the shrinkage can be controlled by the selection of the melt index ofthe material.

While the invention has been discussed with respect to the use ofgenerally rectangular, slightly curved devices 30 a-d in an eye 10 fortreatment of presbyopia, it should be understood that the invention isnot so limited. For example, the size and shape of device 30 can bealtered depending upon the shape and location of the area in which itwill be used. Thus, device 30 can be configured to alter the physicalgeometry of other human or animal body parts (e.g., tissues, organs,veins, arteries, etc.) as necessary to treat a particular condition.Furthermore, rather than several small segments of the device, onelarger or ringed segment could be utilized, as well as flat panels withadjustable vanes or flaps to act as valves.

The inventive device could also be used to open blocked veins orarteries by placing the device on or within the vein or artery andapplying energy to the device so that directional bending occurs, thusexpanding or closing the vein or artery. Advantageously, the inventionallows for incremental expansion or closure of the vein or artery withsubsequent additional expansion or closure being possible as needed. Thedevice could also be used to incrementally increase or decrease the flowof fluid from the brain through a shunt in a patient suffering fromhydrocephalus.

Although the inventive device has been discussed as a treatment forpresbyopia, it can be used to treat any eye condition which is treatableby changing the shape or positions of the component structures of theeye and their functional relationship to each other. The device can alsobe used in eye drainage valves which bypass the trabecular meshwork.This would be accomplished by inserting a closed valve having the devicedisposed therein, and incrementally subjecting the device to appliedenergy so that the valve is opened or closed by small degrees until thedesired flow level is obtained.

Furthermore, the device could be used to treat myopia or hyperopia byutilizing a ring-shaped device or partial ring-shaped devices (e.g.,140° rings). In this embodiment, the devices would be inserted into thecornea with the shrinking layer facing outwardly from the eye so thatthe cornea is “flattened” upon shrinkage of the device to treat myopia.To treat hyperopia, the devices would be inserted into the cornea withthe shrinking layer facing inwardly from the eye. The non-shrinkinglayer is necessary to give directional control of the bending as well asto act as an energy source for the melting layer.

Finally, although the illustrated embodiment depicts a device accordingto the invention inserted in a sclera pocket, it should be understoodthat it may be desirable to attach the device to the surface of the bodypart to be treated. For example, the device could be sutured or gluedwith a biocompatible adhesive to the outer surface of the sclera.

EXAMPLES

A device according to the invention was formed by co-extruding two PMMAlayers. A first layer was formed of PMMA having an ASTM D-1238 meltindex of 1.1 and carbon black dye added thereto. A second layer wasformed of PMMA having an ASTM D-1238 melt index of 6.6 and havingtitanium oxide added thereto. Five devices were formed with thefollowing dimensions, respectively: two samples each designated asSample 1-0.33 mm×0.66 mm×10 mm; and two samples each designated asSample 2 and one sample designated as Sample 3-0.66 mm×0.66 mm×10 mm.

Multiple diode laser treatments were carried out by subjecting the firstlayer (having a black dye incorporated therein) of one specimen of eachof Samples 1 and 2 to laser energy and then repeating the energyapplication to the second layer (having a white dye incorporatedtherein) of the same specimens of Samples 1 and 2. With Sample 3, thefirst layer (having a black dye incorporated therein) followed by thesecond layer (having a white dye incorporated therein) was subjected tomultiple laser applications along its length, with the direction of bendand change in length being noted.

The laser parameters were chosen to maximize the change in shape of thedevice while minimizing focal deformity. The length of each sample wasdetermined (with Vernier Callipers) after the first, third, fifth,seventh, and ninth laser treatments. These results are reported inTables 1-3. The direction of bend was either toward the first or blacklayer (designated “B”) or toward the second or white layer (designated“W”).

TABLE 1 Sample 1 (0.33 × 0.66 mm Specimens) Laser Application LaserApplication Intensity (mW) 60 50 Spot Size 300 500 (microns) Duration5000 9000 (milliseconds) Applied To Black Applied To White (first layer)Bend (second layer) Bend Laser Treatment Length Change (mm) DirectionLength Change (mm) Direction 1^(st) .000 .020 B 3^(rd) .005 B .030 B5^(th) .010 B .050 B 7^(th) .010 B .075 B 9^(th) .015 B .090 B TotalChange 0.015 B 0.90 B (mm)

TABLE 2 Sample 2 (0.33 × 0.66 mm Specimens) Laser Application LaserApplication Intensity (mW) 50 160 Spot Size 500 300 (microns) Duration9000 9000 (milliseconds) Applied To Black (first layer) Applied To WhiteLength Change (second layer) Bend (mm) Bend Direction Length Change (mm)Direction 1^(st) .010 .005 W 3^(rd) .015 B .035 W 5^(th) .015 B .055 W7^(th) .015 B .085 W 9^(th) .020 B .110 W Total Change 0.20 B 0.110 W(mm)

TABLE 3 Sample 3 (0.66 × 0.66 mm Specimen) Laser Application Intensity(mW) 60 Spot Size (microns) 500 Duration 6000 (milliseconds) Applied ToBlack (first layer) Laser Treatment # Length Change Bend Direction7^(th) .015 B Intensity (mW) 320 Spot Size (microns) 300 Duration 500(milliseconds) Applied To White Laser Treatment # (second layer) 7^(th)0.290 W

1. A method of treating presbyopia comprising: implanting in the scleraof the eye at spaced intervals a plurality of incrementally adjustabledevices, each device having at least two layers wherein two layers havedifferent melting characteristics such that heating of said device willcause differential shrinkage and bending of said device; measuring theaccommodative ability of the eye after said implantation; applyingenergy to said device to heat it and cause it to bend and to alter theshape of a surface of the sclera in the region of said device; and againmeasuring the accommodative ability of the eye.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein the steps of heating and measuring are repeated until thedesired level of accommodative ability of the eye is achieved.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein, at the time of implantation, the device has acurvature similar to the curvature of the sclera at the region ofimplantation.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein, at the time ofimplantation, the device is flat.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein thedevice is implanted in the region of the sclera which near the ciliarymuscle.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the energy is supplied by alaser.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein four devices are implanted. 8.The method of claim 7 wherein the devices are implanted at locationswhich are in the space between the rectus muscles.
 9. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the melting point of at least one layer of the device ismodified by the addition of another substance.
 10. The method of claim 1wherein at least one of said layers comprises a compound selected fromthe group consisting of polymethylmethacrylate, polyethylene,polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and polytetrafluoroethylene.
 11. Themethod of claim 1 wherein said implanting step comprises making anincision in the sclera.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the incisionforms a pocket.
 13. A method of treating presbyopia comprising:implanting in the sclera of an eye at spaced intervals a plurality ofincrementally adjustable devices, each device having a curvature similarto the curvature of the sclera at the region of implantation and havingat least two layers wherein two of said layers have different meltingcharacteristics such that heating of said device will cause differentialshrinkage and bending of said device; measuring the accommodativeability of the eye after said implantation; applying energy to saiddevice to heat it and cause it to bend in a manner that expands thesclera outwardly in the region of said device; and again measuring theaccommodative ability of the eye.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein thesteps of heating and measuring are repeated until the desired level ofaccommodative ability is achieved.
 15. The method of claim 13 whereinthe laser has a wavelength of bout 488 nm to about 805 nm.
 16. Themethod of claim 13 wherein the steps of heating and measuring arerepeated until the desired level of accommodative ability is achieved.17. In a method for treating at least one eye disorder selected from thegroup consisting of presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia and glaucoma, theimprovement comprising: forming a plurality of elongated pockets atspaced intervals in the sclera of an eye in the region of the ciliarymuscle; positioning in each pocket an incrementally adjustable devicehaving at least two layers wherein two of said layers have differentmelting characteristics such that heating of said devices will causethem to shrink differentially and cause said devices to bend; measuringa property of said eye; applying energy to said devices to heat them andcause them to bend and cause the sclera to expand; and again measuringsaid property of said eye.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein theheating and measuring steps are repeated until the desired level oftreatment is achieved.